The American Express rewards program is getting bigger and better. Yesterday American Express announced its Membership Rewards partner lineup for 2000 will include a number of new retail and travel partners. New retail partners include Bergdorf Goodman, Brooks Brothers, Callaway Golf, Country Road, Oreck, Richard Petty Driving Experience, THE RIGHT START and Swiss Army Brands. The new 'Membership Rewards' travel partners include Alitalia Airlines, Air Aruba, Disney Cruise Line, Frontier Airlines, Midway Airlines, Omni Hotels, Pro Air, Qantas, South African Airways and Sun Country Airlines. The Membership Rewards Program from American Express was first launched in June 1991 under the name Membership Miles. In 1995, retail and other non-travel rewards were added to the program, and it was re-named the Membership Rewards Program. In October, 1999, American Express expanded the program by offering two new program levels, Membership Rewards Plus designed for frequent travelers and cardholders who accumulate a large number of points and want more rewards flexibility and choice and Membership Rewards Options for cardholders who prefer easy to attain awards. Membership Rewards Options has a separate list or partners. For more information visit www.americanexpress.com.